Main article Norilsk Nickel
2024
Norilsk Nickel invests 4.5 billion rubles in metallurgical software
Russia's largest producer of non-ferrous metals PJSC MMC Norilsk Nickel (Norilsk Nickel) plans to invest about ₽4,5 billion in the development of domestic software for metallurgy and environmental monitoring. This became known in July 2024.
According to RIA Novosti, Norilsk Nickel, through its subsidiary Norsoft, together with partners Reksoft and Atollis, is developing three digital solutions for optimizing and automating mining production: Magma Geo, Magma Plan and Magma Control. These products will be the first developments of the company within the framework of the Industrial Competence Centers (ICC) to replace foreign industry digital products and solutions.
General Director of Norsoft Alexei Parasyna noted that it will take three years to replace the product of medium technological complexity: from the moment the decision is made to a qualitative change. According to him, semi-commercial versions of products developed within the framework of the ICC Metallurgy"" will be ready in a year and a half.
Alexey Parasyna said that the company plans to begin testing domestic software for automation of mining production in 2025, and implementation is scheduled for 2026.
The developed products are aimed at managing mining and geological data, designing mine infrastructure and planning field development, as well as dispatching underground mining and operational management. In addition, Norsoft is working on the Axiom system for predictive emission monitoring based on automated process control systems.
New mining IT solutions will have the advantage of openness and adaptability. This will allow large companies with their own IT divisions to increase the functionality of programs and offer updates to other market participants.[1]
Norilsk Nickel has introduced artificial intelligence in almost all industries
In July 2024, Norilsk Nickel announced the large-scale introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies at almost all of its production sites. Director of the Center for the Development of Digital Technologies "Norilsk Nickel" Alexey Testin said that the company is already actively using solutions based on machine learning and computer vision. These technologies are implemented on the main production units and operate in automatic mode, controlling key technological processes.
The introduction of artificial intelligence covers all stages of the company's production cycle - from mining to metallurgical redistribution. At mining enterprises, computer vision is used to increase the efficiency of drilling machines and the technology of point positioning of drilling rigs, which reduces the volume of ore dilution.
In metallurgical production, AI systems operate in "hint" mode, offering adjustments to the technological mode. Most machine learning solutions function as a co-pilot, performing automatic control of units.
Alexey Testin stressed that current achievements are only the first step in the development of artificial intelligence in the company. Nornickel plans to expand its network of sensors and cameras to collect more data, which will create larger and more efficient solutions.
The introduction of AI technologies is already bringing tangible economic results to the company. According to Norilsk Nickel experts, in 2024, the contribution of solutions based on artificial intelligence to EBITDA (profit before interest, taxes and depreciation) can range from $70 million to $100 million, which is equivalent to about 1% of the total indicator.[2]
Winner in the TAdviser IT Prize nomination "BI-platform in metallurgy. Project of the Year "
On May 28, TAdviser SummIT 2024 was held in Moscow, within the framework of which the TAdviser IT Prize award ceremony was held. Winner in the nomination "BI-platform in metallurgy. Project of the Year "was recognized by Norilsk Nickel for the project of large-scale migration of analytical dashboards from Tableau to the domestic Forsyth platform . Analytical Platform, "implemented in conjunction with RAMAX Group. Read more here.
2023: Norilsk Nickel began using the Russian system of remote control of machines in mines and will now save a lot
At the end of August 2023, it became known that specialists from the Nizhny Novgorod State Technical University (NSTU) named after R.E. Alekseeva developed an import-substituting system for autonomous and remote control of mine dump trucks and loading and delivery machines. The technology is being introduced by PJSC MMC Norilsk Nickel to save costs. Read more here.
2022
Start using a robot to create 3D models of mines
As it became known in September 2022, Norilsk Nickel began using a robot to create 3D models of mines. The system was developed at the MISIS University of Science and Technology. Read more here.
Using drones to scan underground tunnels
At the end of April 2022, Norilsk Nickel announced the start of using drones to scan underground tunnels. With the help of such drones, geological exploration can be carried out in places where there is no convenient human access or direct view at a depth of up to 100 meters.
You can connect a lidar scanner, a video camera, a thermal imager and even an echo sounder to the devices. They can also be used on the surface of the earth to survey warehouses, logistics objects and rock dumps.
Drones are used for autonomous surveying (underground) at complex facilities, where personnel access is prohibited and where there is no direct view: for inspection of treatment chambers, when surveying hard-to-reach workings, ore runs, rock outcrops and non-deposits of workings. Photo and video recording allows you to quickly and in detail view the state of the attachment and the volume of spent cleaning space. On the surface, drones are used to survey warehouses of useful, minerals rock dumps, metal-containing and flooded storages.
As explained in Norilsk Nickel, earlier filming took a long time and was carried out by two teams of surveyors, and thanks to the use of drones in good weather conditions, only 10-15 minutes are spent on photo and video recording of a rock dump with a volume of 2 million m3.
 | Material captured in 15 minutes of flight can be processed for several days. It is important here to understand various software, to tie the survey to the local coordinate system with the necessary accuracy. Thus, to work with these technologies, a specialist must have a very high level of training, - said Sergey Sobolev, head of mine surveying and audit of mining projects at the Norilsk Nickel Mineral Resources Department. |  |
In the Norilsk division of the company, more than 10 drones are involved on the surface and drones are being tested in underground mines without a GPS signal . The company has its own staff of pilots who constantly increase their competencies in the field of piloting and data processing.[3]
Use of 50% of Russian software
As it became known on March 15, 2022, about 50% of the software used by Norilsk Nickel falls on Russian products. The world's largest producer of palladium and high-grade nickel intends to continue import substitution in this area.
| | More than half of our [software] is of domestic origin or the company's own developments in general, "said Sergey Malyshev, senior vice president and financial director of the company, during the annual Norilsk Nickel-LIVE direct line with the company's vice presidents (quoted by TASS). As for the imported software, we have already found Russian analogues for half of this software. Of course, there is time to switch to them. But this work is prioritized, and it will continue in active mode all the near future. | |
By mid-March 2022, Norilsk Nickel continues to develop the Technological Breakthrough program, which will last until 2024. The volume of investments in this project over 5 years is estimated at 6 billion rubles.
As noted by Sergey Dubovitsky, Senior Vice President - Head of the Strategic Project Strategy and Management, Logistics and Resource Support Unit, in mid-March 2022, the company continues to implement investment programs, despite Western sanctions against Russia.
| | We understand that individual initiatives, due to possible supply restrictions, will require rethinking, analyzing technological solutions, and revising implementation schedules. Logistical difficulties and possible difficulties with procurement can lead to an increase in the cost of projects. We analyze and will solve possible problems with foreign contractors within the framework of the implementation of each specific investment project, "he said.[4] | |
2021
Norilsk Nickel launched a "data lake"
On July 5, 2021, it became known about the launch of a corporate "Data Lake" in Norilsk Nickel. Thanks to the new technology, the Russian mining and metallurgical company expects to reduce the risks of products going beyond technological standards, improve control over the implementation of the production plan and increase the effectiveness of the human capital development program. Read more here.
Norilsk Nickel has strengthened the role of "numbers" in protecting the environment. This was preceded by a record fine for environmental damage
In 2021, 30% of initiatives in the Digital Laboratory portfolio Norilsk Nickel are initiatives related to environmental protection, according to the company's sustainability report published before the May holidays. Norilsk Nickel clarified to TAdviser that in 2020 the same figure was less than 10%. And in a 2019 sustainability report on the Digital Lab block, the company did not focus on environmental initiatives.
"Digital Laboratory" is the R&D division of Nornickel, created in 2018, which examines the applicability and tests new technologies in production processes.
Important initiatives of the "Digital Laboratory" in the field of reducing the negative impact on the environment in the company are called, in particular:
- Digital tailings storage is a comprehensive solution to ensure efficient and safe operation of hydraulic structures. The technology includes space photography using the InSar method, shooting a dam from drones, as well as bathymetry of the bottom of the pond - the devices digitize the surface of the bottom and transmit data to the operator's computer via Wi-Fi;
- Monitoring of SO2 emissions in Monchegorsk - a software and hardware complex for monitoring air gas pollution and taking preventive measures;
- Innovative oil filter - designed to reduce the use of combustible lubricants in railway transport.
Norilsk Nickel told TAdviser that among the initiatives related to environmental protection, the following can also be noted:
- Diagnostics of pulp pipelines in the Norilsk Division;
- SO2 monitoring at Kola MMC;
- Monitoring of biodiversity in water bodies adjacent to the Kola MMC.
The growing focus on the environmental theme in the Digital Laboratory follows the company's more global initiatives in this area. Thus, the report on the sustainable development of Norilsk Nickel also states that in 2020 the company developed a new comprehensive environmental strategy. Its details and approval by the company's board of directors are expected in 2021. The strategy identifies six key areas in the field of environmental protection and sets targets that Nornickel plans to achieve by 2030.
The development of a new strategy and the expansion of eco-initiatives in the Digital Laboratory was preceded by an incident in May 2020 with a fuel spill at a TETs-3 owned by NTEK, which is part of the Norilsk Nickel group. Then 21 thousand tons of diesel fuel flowed out of the tank, it got into nearby rivers and partially into Lake Pyasino. In Rostekhnadzor, weak soils were called as a reason, due to which the load on piles was redistributed, the base sank and the bottom of the tank collapsed[5]
For this, the court ordered the company to pay a record fine of 146.2 billion. rubles Norilsk Nickel did not challenge it and in March 2021 announced the payment of a fine. Rosprirodnadzor In called this fine the largest in history for Russia environmental damage[6]
As for initiatives aimed at preventing oil spills, the company has a project to monitor foundations and permafrost, but it is handled by another division, not the Digital Laboratory, TAdviser was told in Norilsk Nickel.
At the same time, Norilsk Nickel noted that increased attention to ecology and greater involvement of digital technologies in this area is not a direct consequence of the incident with the fuel spill. The company has long been working towards sustainable development. This is evidenced by the fact that there have been quite a few such initiatives before, and this is, in principle, a global trend, a company representative said in a conversation with TAdviser.
2020
The main areas of the Technological Breakthrough program of MMC Norilsk Nickel
In September 2020, the technical director of the Technological Breakthrough program at MMC Norilsk Nickel Trapezin Vladimir Alexandrovich spoke about automation and information transformation. This program has been implemented at the plant since 2015, includes more than 40 projects and is aimed at improving operational efficiency and transferring the company's production processes to a new target state, in which an effective system of multivariable planning and automated operational control will be built. The main goal of the program, which covers all divisions of the company included in the operating unit, and all production redistributions - from ore mining to metal production, is to build a safe, efficient digital enterprise.
| | "We could not just copy foreign experience, since such an approach would preserve our current lag from the world level," Vladimir Trapezin explained. - It was decided not to automate existing processes, but, having previously analyzed them, to build new ones, linking them with the main KPI indicators. Today, all technological processes are controlled from the unified management centers of the Polar Branch and KGMK, which has made it possible to significantly increase the efficiency of operational planning and production management processes. " | |
Norilsk Nickel expects that the economic effect of integrated management projects in 2019-2022 will amount to $40 million, and for digital production projects in 2023-2030. it will reach the level of $400 million. Already today, planning accuracy has increased from 20 to 90%. In the near future, a project of a fully autonomous digital mine at the Skalisty mine will be implemented, the depth of the ore body of which exceeds 1.5 km. In 2025, it is planned to transfer it to operation in a deserted mode[7].
Norilsk Nickel will be the first issuer of the Atomyze industrial asset tokenization platform
On February 28, 2020, it became known that the company Norilsk Nickel"" will become the first issuer of the platform for the tokenization of industrial assets - palladium, cobalt, copper and other valuable metals -. Atomyze The test launch of blockchain the -tech-based platform Hyperledger Fabric took place in Zug, the main hub for blockchain innovation in. Switzerland Read more. here
2019
Norilsk Nickel CIO Yuri Shekhovtsov at TAdviser SummIT - about the new five-year plan for the company's digital transformation
Speaking at the TAdviser SummIT conference on November 27, 2019, Yuri Shekhovtsov, Director of the Information Technology Department of MMC Norilsk Nickel, spoke about the beginning of the second five-year plan for digital transformation in the company.
Within the framework of the previous five-year plan in 2013-2018. large-scale transformations were carried out. For example, the SAP ERP system has become a typical solution deployed at all sites of the group of companies. Similarly, the SAP HR solution deployed at all enterprises covers all MMC Norilsk Nickel personnel.
Digital models have been created for all mines.
| | For all mines, we understand in real time where the equipment is located, where and where it carries ore, etc., - said Yuri Shekhovtsov and explained that at the next stage of digitalization, two main tasks are being solved. - First, squeeze the maximum possible out of the already implemented systems. And, secondly, learn to form end-to-end business chains in order to clearly understand at every moment of time what we are spending money on, what is the result. In other words, in terms of business functions, the main goal is to improve efficiency. | |
Organizationally, the IT Department of MMC Norilsk Nickel received the status of a corporate Digital Laboratory. It works in two main areas: the transformation of the IT infrastructure and the implementation of IT projects for business.
| | Our goal is to reach the service IT infrastructure, - said Yuri Shekhovtsov at TAdviser SummIT 2019. - During the year, we had a pilot project with the Mail.ru to create a hybrid cloud. Based on its results, we understood how the solution will be implemented. | |
A large-scale front of work of the Digital Laboratory is the choice of the most promising IT solutions for subsequent implementations in the activities of MMC. Yuri Shekhovtsov said that since its creation in 2017, the laboratory has received 157 initiatives, 53 have been put into operation, six projects are at the prototype stage and are scheduled for commissioning in 2019-2021.
All prototypes belong to the class of complex intelligent solutions:
- Video recording of violations of industrial safety rules using machine vision and artificial intelligence technologies;
- Control of presence of ore-burying elements on the conveyor. A common problem for mining processing enterprises is the ingress of mine support elements, drilling tools, etc. on the conveyor belts, which leads to wear and tear of equipment, breakdown and repairs. An IT solution based on machine vision technologies automatically recognizes the presence of ore-burying elements on the tape and provides it to the signal operator;
- Autonomous drone - without the presence of a person is able to inspect and scan the workings of an underground mine or in other hard-to-reach areas in complete darkness and in the absence of satellite coordinates;
- Determination of short circuit during copper electrolysis at copper plant. The solution allows using digital technologies to automate and increase the production of cathode copper.
- Industrial exoskeleton - designed to repeatedly enhance a person's physical capabilities.
As Yuri Shekhovtsov said, the Digital Laboratory has developed digital assistants that help engineers work with the analytics big data of geological subsystems. Data lakes () Data Lake and business intelligence systems have been created for the management.
The economic effect of informatization amounted to 100 million rubles in 2018, 262 million rubles are expected in 2019. At the same time, the Chief information officer of MMC Norilsk Nickel sees new prospects in finding IT solutions that are useful for business.
| | This year we agreed with a number of metallurgical companies to exchange digital experience. In particular, such interaction has already begun with Magnitogorsk, - said Yuri Shekhovtsov. - There is no need to reinvent the wheel if you can use the experience of your colleagues. | |
He does not exclude that a special digital platform will be created for these purposes:
| | You need not just to look at what vendors offer, but to study how exactly this works at other enterprises. For industrial enterprises, this is very useful. | |
О TAdviser SummIT
TAdviser SummIT was held in Moscow on November 27, 2019 and attracted more than 700 participants - heads and experts of IT divisions of the largest companies and government departments of Russia, representatives of IT developers and contractors. During the event, the prospects for digital transformation of business and government agencies, the development of technologies, products and services were discussed. The conference was supported by the Ministry of Digital Development. It was attended by the head of the department Konstantin Noskov, who, during an open discussion, summed up the first results of the Digital Economy national program. In total, about 60 reports were made in the plenary part and five thematic sections. The event was held in 5 halls of Radisson Blu Olympiyskiy.
Interview with IT Director Yuri Shekhovtsov TAdviser
In August 2019, Yuri Shekhovtsov, in an interview with TAdviser, spoke about Norilsk Nickel's new information technology development program until 2023, which involves the widespread introduction of IT into production processes. Read more here.
Norilsk Nickel, IBM and MIPT will train blockchain specialists
The Moscow Institute of Physics MIPT and Technology (), the company "" and Norilsk Nickel# IBM Russia 2019:_.C2.AB.D0.9D.D0.BE.D1.80.D0.BD.D0.B8.D0.BA.D0.B5.D0.BB.D1.8C.C2.BB.2C_IBM_.D0.B8_.D0.9C.D0.A4.D0.A2.D0.98_.D0.B1.D1.83.D0.B4.D1.83.D1.82_.D0.B3.D0.BE.D1.82.D0.BE.D0.B2.D0.B8.D1.82.D1.8C_.D1.81.D0.BF.D0.B5.D1.86.D0.B8.D0.B0.D0.BB.D0.B8.D1.81.D1.82.D0.BE.D0.B2_.D0.BF.D0.BE_.D0.B1.D0.BB.D0.BE.D0.BA.D1.87.D0.B5.D0.B9.D0.BD.D1.83 entered into an agreement in June 2019 to create To Moscow a Competence Center in (on the basis of MIPT) for scientific research, training specialists in the development of digital technologies for the mining industry using open software and specialized solutions.
Norilsk Nickel joins Hyperledger
In mid-June 2019, Norilsk Nickel, as well as Microsoft and Salesforce, joined the Hyperledger consortium. New members of the organization will pay membership fees and develop new applications using Hyperledger. Read more here.
Norilsk Nickel has taken up the development of underground drones
Norilsk Nickel is developing underground drones as part of its project to improve the safety of work in mines. The head of the mining and metallurgical company Vladimir Potanin told about this in an interview with the Russia 24 TV channel.
| | As you know, drones fly on the surface, are widely used because they fly due to their orientation GPS. And underground, accordingly, the signal does not pass, and therefore, underground, it would seem, drones should not fly, "he said. | |
Surveyor support of quarries using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) helps to reduce the time for collecting and processing information, improve the safety of mining operations both in the quarry and on dumps, and finally eliminate human errors.
In the mining industry, traditional surveying techniques are mainly used to control mines and quarries: using tacheometers, theodolites, levelers and GPS satellite positioning systems, mining surveying engineers take surveys of workings and monitor the movement of rocks, taking measurements. Surveyor errors can lead not only to losses, but also to serious accidents, so new technologies directly affect safety indicators.
According to the entrepreneur, Norilsk Nickel is developing unmanned aerial vehicles primarily to reduce injuries at its facilities. The company pays great attention to these issues, spending large funds.
So, in 2018, more than 34 thousand people underwent safety training at Norikel. The company spends about 150 thousand rubles per employee on measures to ensure safe working conditions. Thanks to these measures, the frequency of lost capacity injuries was reduced by three times in several years, Potanin emphasized.[8]
2018
HR transformation in Norilsk Nickel
White Paper: Automation Based on SAP HCM
FEB Transformation Program
Optimization of reporting processes
Pyramid of Business Information
IT projects in Norilsk Nickel
{{# ITProj: Norilsk Nickel, MMC (Norilsk Nickel)}}
Notes
- ↑ Norilsk Nickel will test domestic software for automation of mining
- ↑ Norilsk Nickel announced the introduction of AI in almost all industries
- ↑ NORILSK NICKEL IS TESTING NEW DRONES FOR UNDERGROUND WORK
- ↑ Norilsk Nickel considers Russian software to replace part of imported
- ↑ , Norilsk Nickel paid a record fine of 146 billion rubles for a fuel spill.
- ↑ Norilsk Nickel was fined a record 146 billion rubles for an oil spill.
- ↑ , IDC outlined the contours of the enterprise of the future
- ↑ Norilsk Nickel will produce underground drones and precursors for electric vehicles
- Data from the presentation "Improving the efficiency of financial function based on modern SAP solutions" 11.04.2018 at SAP Forum Moscow
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